AUSTIN, Texas, May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Ascension
Orthopedics, Inc., a market leader in PyroCarbon orthopedic
implants, announces reaching an industry milestone with the
distribution of more than 40,000 PyroCarbon extremity joint
replacements worldwide.
Jerome Klawitter, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Science Officer of
Ascension Orthopedics, pioneered efforts using PyroCarbon in the
manufacture of mechanical heart valves and small joint implants.
His collaborative efforts with the Mayo Clinic lead to the founding
of Ascension Orthopedics in 1992. Since its introduction of the
PyroCarbon MCP Total Joint in 2000, Ascension has been dedicated to
building on the company’s experience by successfully using
PyroCarbon in both hemi and total joint arthroplasty applications.
Currently marketed devices include PyroCarbon implants for the
finger, thumb, wrist, elbow, shoulder and foot. Ascension has
several other PyroCarbon-based extremity products at various stages
of development that are not yet commercially available.
“Our commitment to research with PyroCarbon is based on the
material’s proven durability, enhanced wear resistance and
biocompatibility against native bone and cartilage. The elastic
modulus of PyroCarbon is very similar to cortical bone and allows a
more effective transfer of load from implant to bone, reducing
stress shielding and potential bone resorption. PyroCarbon’s
combination of low surface friction and non-adhesive properties may
contribute to the preservation of cartilage observed clinically.
The body friendly characteristics of PyroCarbon make it an
excellent choice for orthopedic applications,” stated
Klawitter.
For those interested in learning more about PyroCarbon implants,
Ascension offers anatomic workshops lead by surgeon faculty at
various locations in both the United States and Europe. These
workshops are designed to provide a hands-on environment for the
surgeon to become comfortable with products, indications for
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